Crossing the border with Blue Jays beat reporter Jordan Bastian.

Blue Jays trade for Matt Bush

The Jay Birds swung a minor trade today, reeling in right-hander Matt Bush from the Padres in exchange for a player to be named later or cash considerations. To clear room on the ol’ roster, October waiver claim Dirk Hayhurst was released.

Bush would probably love if he was simply known as the first overall pick of the 2004 Draft. Unfortunately, he’s becoming known more for being a bust as a positional player and for, well, being busted.

The Friars designated Bush for assignment last week to clear room on the roster for Cliff Floyd. But, his dismissal also happened to come while he wound up being the target of a police investigation.

The 23-year-old Bush is being investigated for allegedly assaulting members of a high school lacrosse team in suburban San Diego. According to a report in the San Diego Union-Tribune, a witness saw an intoxicated Bush throw a golf club at one of the high schoolers and he allegedly shouted, “I’m Matt [Bleepin’] Bush!” before driving over a curb and fleeing the scene.

Not long after he was drafted, San Diego suspended Bush indefinitely after he was arrested at a bar across the street from the team’s complex in Peoria, Ariz. Among the charges: biting one of the bouncers and underage drinking. Bush, who was reinstated a month later after leading guilty to three charges, was also involved in a bar fight last summer.

Needless to say, Toronto is providing a much-needed change of scenery for Bush. Beyond that, Bush is giving the Jays an on-field project as well. He was drafted as a shortstop, but after hitting .219 over four seasons — none above Class A — Bush was converted into a pitcher. The, he blew out his elbow in ’07, needed Tommy John and missed all of 2008.

Bush won’t be in the running for a job with the Jays. He’ll give Toronto another arm for their system and will take time to climb the ranks. Maybe there’s something there, though. Time will tell. It’s a low-risk, potential high-reward move. Maybe a change of scenery is all Bush needs. We’ll see.

6 Comments

I don’t really remember that draft. All I know is we got Purcey and the departed Zach Jackson. I didn’t even look who was number one that year I think. I just hope he has got a little more upside than a guy like Luke Hochevar. The number one pick in baseball is a such crapshoot.

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